La Ferme de Sourires… the name says it all. Farm of Smiles. This beautifully restored 6/7-bedroom, 6-bathroom farmhouse in Verchaix, Morillon accommodates up to 16 guests in the most extraordinary space.

The magnificent glass-fronted property is built across 3-floors, measuring an impressive 490m2. Nestled amongst 4000m2 of private gardens, the farmhouse also has its own private outdoor swimming pool – perfect for summer. As enviable a location in winter, the ski bus stop providing access to both Morillon and Samoëns’ telecabines is just 100m from the front door.

Ferme de Sourires is the perfect mix of authentic alpine and contemporary luxury. The hot tub, 2 log burners, underfloor heating, fitness suite, fantastic kitchen with separate butler’s pantry, smart TVs, and Wi-fi internet throughout combine with rustic wood, natural stone, and elegant décor. Every element of this property has been chosen with the upmost care and attention to ensure you experience its intimate charm. Ferme de Sourires is your ideal year-round holiday retreat.

The property is privately owned and has been carefully selected to be in Alps Accommodation’s premier portfolio. It has a Friday changeover day, however in low season and for last minute bookings, flexible arrival day and length of stay may be available. Contact us for more information. By prior agreement Ferme de Sourires may also accept certain pets; a further charge of 100 Euros for enhanced professional cleaning will apply.

Description

From the moment you pull into the driveway Ferme de Sourires is a vision. A glass-fronted farmhouse surrounded by immense gardens and quiet pastures, with mountain vistas in all directions. Step inside and immediately feel its charm and character. Natural stonework, a wide, winding staircase, and unique decorative touches speak elegance.

A large boot and cloakroom with masses of storage space is to your right. So is the visitor’s WC with exquisite carved stone basin. Ahead of you, the ground floor hallway leads to two of your six well-appointed ensuite bedrooms. The laundry room with washer & dryer, hanging facilities, and extra bar fridge and freezer is accessed from the same hallway. The fitness suite with rowing machine, hand weights and kettle bell, skipping rope and exercise mats is also on the ground floor. Fitted with TV and integrated DVD player, enjoy working out to your favourite exercise program. The fitness suite also serves as a games room, and optional additional sleeping quarters. Cleverly designed storage space hides a full-size table tennis table and hockey goal. There are also 2 fold-down single beds (80cm x 190cm).

The 2nd level is a spectacular space. Grand, open-plan living that retains a sense of intimacy. The main lounge comprises 3 comfortable sofas positioned around the central log burner. The large smart TV has DVD player and PS4 games console, with a selection of DVDs and games. A lovely antique trunk is filled with an assortment of games to play and there is ample reading material, both French and English. Curl up in a cosy armchair by the fire in the separate library, or retire to the adjoining snug lounge, with plush corner sofa, piano and a further Smart TV (Apple TV and Sky are available). The snug also benefits from the 2nd fireplace and has a small private balcony.

The main balcony is a huge space on the south-east side of the farmhouse. Overlooking the outdoor swimming pool and gardens it is ideal for entertaining with its hot tub, large outdoor corner lounge, 3-burner gas BBQ and solid wood outdoor dining table. An external staircase leads to the terrace and pool below.

Back inside to the kitchen and dining areas; the dinner table is made from the original barn door and seats 14 comfortably, 16 with children. The kitchen is every budding chef’s dream. There is ample work and storage space and it is stocked to perfection. An incredible 360cm x 120cm island worktop with breakfast bar is the central focus, but another major highlight is the addition of a Butler’s pantry. The kitchen alone comes fully equipped with American-style fridge-freezer with ice machine, dishwasher, double electric oven with 5-burner gas hob, microwave and of course vast array of crockery, pots & pans, serving bowls and utensils. The Butler’s pantry provides even more storage as well as second double basin, and 1x bar-sized fridge. There is also a raclette machine and 2 fondue sets should you wish to try your hand at some traditional Savoyard fare.

Moving upstairs, light washes over you as you climb the beautiful open staircase through the heart of the farmhouse to the 3rd floor landing and your 4 remaining bedrooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows afford spectacular views across to the Coulouvrier Bowl, Tête de Saix and slopes of Morillon. Rustic wooden beams reach high into the vaulted ceiling. You cannot help but feel inspired by the glorious design. A further mezzanine level provides a quiet retreat, although children are sure to flock to this space to enjoy the table football, Xbox 360, and Sony DVD home theatre system. The mezzanine is equipped with a double pull-out sofa bed, and so serves as an additional sleeping quarters for larger groups.

Ferme de Sourires has much to offer, it is perfect for your year-round holidays to the Alps.

Pets are not accepted in this property. Please contact us for advice on pet friendly accommodation.

Bedroom 5

Bedroom 6

Sleeps 2, ensuite (shower, WC), 1x queen bed (150cm x 200cm)

Bedroom 7 (fitness suite / games room)

Sleeps 2, 2x single beds (80 x 190cm)

Bedroom 1 is the ground floor Master Suite with private dressing room and deluxe ensuite bathroom, comprising standalone bathtub, large open shower, WC, and beautiful marble-topped double vanity unit. A bright and spacious room with elegant parquet flooring and marbled bathrooms tiles, the Master Suite is also fitted with its own Smart TV and provides direct access to the paved lower terrace and swimming pool.

Bedroom 2, also on the ground floor, has a quaint cottage feel. Equipped with an ensuite shower and WC, this lovely room offers views of the Pic de Marcelly from its custom-built study, with integrated storage. This room also benefits its own TV, with Amazon firestick.

The remaining bedrooms are all on the upper level.

Bedroom 3 is a queen room with ensuite shower and WC. It offers garden views and a clear line of sight to the pistes of Morillon and Samoëns. A custom-built wardrobe and desk is provided for your convenience.

Bedroom 4 is a spacious twin or super king room with ensuite family sized bathroom, featuring bath with integrated shower, additional large shower (110cm x 90cm), WC and single basin vanity. A laundry chute has been cleverly integrated into this bathroom’s design. The bedroom is fitted with lovely antique furniture as well as custom-built-in wardrobe.

Bedroom 5, an ensuite twin or super king room mirrors Bedroom 4, but an ever-so-slightly smaller surface area and individual furnishings provide its individual character. It features an attractive chest of drawers and desk, affording views to Verchaix en Haut.

Bedroom 6 is a queen room with ensuite shower and WC. Enjoy views across to the slopes of Samoëns and Morillon. A desk and custom-built-in wardrobe is also supplied for your convenience.

Each room is fitted with an electric wall-mounted radiator, tasteful bedside furniture and reading lamps. The Hypnos and Vi-sprung beds ensure a restful night’s sleep. Linens and soft furnishings are also of the highest quality, with luxury goose down pillows and duvets throughout. Ensuite showers are all fitted with oversize ‘rain shower’ heads, and there are heated towel rails for your comfort.

The fitness suite and/or the mezzanine may also be used as additional sleeping quarters, providing flexibility for groups of up to 16. The fitness suite, which also serves as a games room with table tennis and ice hockey practice goal, has 2 pull-down single beds (80cm x 190cm). The mezzanine has a pull-out double sofa bed.

Exterior

With approx. 4000m2 of flat, private gardens set amongst the quiet countryside of Verchaix, Ferme de Sourires’ outdoor space is a natural wonder. The huge upper deck overlooking the swimming pool (open July & August), faces south-east, catching the best of the sun all day long. With hot tub, corner lounge, 3-burner gas BBQ and additional outdoor dinner setting it is an ideal entertainment space. The fully paved lower terrace with swimming pool (12m x 4m) is a fabulous space to relax and enjoy the surrounding mountain views. Paved walkways lead to the potager, where guests can help themselves to fresh seasonal veg. Kids will love the sunken trampoline and tree house at the bottom of the garden, and the second trampoline and swing-set are sure to also delight. You can even get a football match going, there’s certainly space and practice goals are supplied. A large rustic wooden picnic table with benches and adjacent fire pit complete the facilities of this immense natural space, an idyllic setting to while away the hours. Ample off-street parking is available to the front of the farmhouse.

Contents

6x TVs

Xbox 360 & Games

PlayStation 4 & Games

Large selection of games

Large selection of books (French & English)

Piano

3x large sofas

1x large corner lounge settee

American-style Fridge/Freezer

2x small bar-sized fridges

Small bar-sized freezer

Dishwasher

Double integrated ‘Falcon’ electric oven

5-burner gas hob

Microwave

9kg washing machine

9kg dyer

4-slice toaster

Kettle

2x coffee plungers

Nespresso coffee machine

Teapot

Nutribullet

Electric hand-wand mixer

Magi-mix electric mixer

Large selection of pots & pans

Baking trays & other items

Roasting pans

Le Creuset heavy-based grill

Le Creuset casserole

Large selection of crockery, cutlery, glassware & mugs

Set of sharp knives

Selection of cooking implements & utensils

Grater

Water jugs

Numerous serving bowls & platters

Serving utensils

Tupperware collection

Raclette set

2x Fondue sets

Rowing machine

Hand weights

Exercise mats

Skipping ropes

Table Tennis table

Table Football

2x Wood burners

2x Hairdryers

Cot

Highchair

Hot Tub (seats 5)

Swimming pool (12m x 4m)

BBQ

Outdoor dining table & chairs

Outdoor corner lounge

6x Deck chairs

2x Trampoline

Bose Speaker system

Wi-Fi Internet

Plan

Location

Ferme de Sourires provides utter convenience in a peaceful setting in Verchaix. Setback from the main road, but easily accessible, the farmhouse is 15 minutes walk, or a 2-minute drive to the centre of Morillon. A ski bus stop with regular services to both Morillon and Samoëns telecabine is only 100m from the front door. So is one of the best bakeries in the valley! A few restaurants are within a 2-minute walk, with more options in Morillon, or Samoëns a mere 5-7-minute drive away.

Reviews

What a place - cannot recommend this highly enough for a summer Alpine adventure. Amazingly large middle floor with a balcony overlooking the new pool. Walkable to Lac Bleu and a whole range of outdoor options in Morrillon (e-bikes, parapente, white-water rafting etc). Cirque de Fer a Cheval and Cascade du Rouget (sp?) are a great diversion for teenagers. Boulangerie opposite has great baguettes and a kick-start espresso. Don't think you'll find better in the region - it was that good!

Rowsell family, Fermes des Sourires, July/August 2018

First class in every single regard - both chalet and area. The chalet has clearly had an exceptionally 'loving touch' applied: it is simply superb, in terms of the facilities, décor, cleanliness and location. Could not fault it in ANY way. What a stunning spot and simply a perfect week. Just what we all needed and the boys absolutely LOVED it. The chalet is as good as ANY I have stayed in. A spectacular home in an unrivalled location. Truly superb! It has certainly sowed the seed with us! Please extend our thank you to all concerned for a truly wonderful week. I really do hope to come back sometime both with the family and friends - both summer and winter!

Jess Family, Fermes des Sourires, July 2018

Premier Services - What's included?

This property is booked directly with the owner and their pricing includes:

¤ Towels and linen provided

¤ 5 - 20% off ski passes delivered on arrival

¤ Beds made for your arrival

¤ 20% discount on ski hire, 10% on lessons

¤ End of stay cleaning included

¤ Welcome basket of food and drink

¤ Meet and greet service

¤ Sample selection of toiletries (often Eco)

¤ In-resort assistance

¤ Utility bills and Tourist Tax included

¤ Payment by card or bank transfer

¤ Provision of cleaning products

¤ Firewood included in properties with fires

¤ Washing up liquid, and a starter pack of bin liners and dishwasher tablets

Property of the Month!

"The accommodation was perfect for our requirements and is situated in a idyllic yet central location. The welcome basket was very much appreciated, and the property managers extremely helpful, responding quickly to any queries. Thank you for such a lovely holiday, we hope to visit again and would definitely recommend." Parkes family, Chalet Toubkal, August 2018

"We've had a great 'last minute' skiing holiday, snow conditions have been great and the chalet was lovely, a great base to come back to after a day on the slopes. Two families of 4 found Chalet Ambregales very comfortable, it had everything we needed. The kids loved the hot tub! Great service from the property managers too!" The Harvey's and Hay's, Chalet Ambregales, April 2018

''This is the third time we've booked with Alps Accommodation, and it is becoming better and better. There was a catering service on arrival, key delivery on time, right information about village, slopes and so on.We will book again!'' Vermeulen family, Chalet Eglantine, March 2018

"The availability of information, the booking process which was quick, friendly and was given useful responses to emails and of course the quality of the property are a credit to Alps Accommodation. They all contributed to our enjoyment of a week in Samoens village.'' Martin family, Bois de Lune 2, March 2018

"This is truly the loveliest chalet we have ever stayed in. It was incredibly spacious and beautifully appointed. There was plenty of hot water for multiple showers and the boot room was very spacious. We all loved both the table tennis and table football." Dandy party, Chalet Falcon, February 2018

''This is the 3rd time we have booked using your company and always feel secure in the knowledge we have a backup help if any problems arise. We have been coming to samoens/Morillon area for 6 years and still love it.'' Caldwell family, Chardons Argentes MGM 4 bed, February 2018

"The chalet was excellent. It was superbly fitted out and very comfortable. We couldn't fault the service from Flatpeak, Ski Higher, Alps Accommodation or callvall. The whole experience of coming to Samoens; skiing and relaxing together was really good. We'll definitely be booking again." Elaine Hopes, Chalet Jeroboam, January 2018

"Brilliant week had by all! The chalet was perfect and was a true home from home. Kukipegs were great and managed all our needs extremely well. The week was perfect; great snow, sunshine, good food and friends. Thank you for such a lovely week in Samoens." The Eames, Hadley, Stobbarts, Bailey and Gregorys, Maison Samoens, Jan - Feb 2018

"Fantastic room, hospitality and food. I've tried hundreds of chalets and here is about the best!" John Hill, Editor, The Good Ski Guide, Chalet Moccand.